Chateau Lagrange 1989

WEINWISSER: "Tiefes, dunkles Weinrot, satt in der Mitte, darin erste Reifefärbung. Heisses, korinthiges Bouquet, Amarone-Touch, Teernoten, die Tiefe anzeigend, etwas verbrannt wirkend. Im Gaumen fast um zwei Klassen besser, aussen malzig, innen leicht trocken, enorme Konzentration, Minze und getrocknete Kamille, gut stützende Säure, pfeffrig, im Finale Korinthentöne noch einmal zum Tragen kommend, Hermitage-Affinität, weiteres Potenzial, viel Luft brauchend."

JANCIS ROBINSON: "Deep crimson, with gentle evolution at the rim. Very gentle evolved nose with some animal notes and a rich, almost putrid finish. Not the most refreshing wine – much richer and sweeter and heavier than most Lagranges. A slightly baked quality. Fades a bit on the finish. Suntory bought the property in 1984 and may well have used quite young vines for this."

THE WINE ADVOCATE: "This muscular, thick, unctuous, lavishly-oaked wine may cause raised eyebrows by those looking for something restrained and understated. There is no doubting the hedonistic appeal of this style of wine. The 1989 (the first bottle was corked) is a smoky, tar, cassis, roasted herb, jammy style of wine, with a dense purple color, sweet tannin, and low acidity. It is easy to drink, although the bouquet has not changed since I tasted it several years ago. The wine is soft and fat, but not flabby. It should drink well for 15+ years, probably developing more focus as well as a more classical profile. The 1989 Lagrange is a big, rich, boldly-flavored wine made in a California-like style."